2 hospitalized, including 1 firefighter, in DC blaze that displaced large number of people

D.C. firefighters battled a large blaze that sent thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky, sent two people to the hospital and displaced several others.

A puppy is rescued from a fire in Southeast D.C.
(Courtesy DC Fire and EMS)

Courtesy DC Fire and EMS

puppy rescue — A puppy is rescued from a fire in Southeast D.C.
(Courtesy DC Fire and EMS)

dog reunited with owner — Firefighters save a dog from a fire in Southeast D.C.
(Courtesy DC Fire and EMS)

D.C. firefighters battled a large blaze that sent thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky, sent two people to the hospital and displaced several others.

One person and a firefighter were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, D.C. Fire and EMS said. Crews also rescued a puppy from the two-alarm fire.

Fire Chief John Donnelly said firefighters located a patient on the second floor and were able to rescue the person using a ground ladder. They were not able to use the stairway to get the person out because of the conditions inside, he added. One member of the rescue squad stayed with the person, who was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

“This was a close call today,” Donnelly said.

The fire in an occupied four-story apartment building on the 2600 block of Bowen Road SE was well underway when firefighters arrived Tuesday afternoon. It extended to two other attached buildings. The heavy fire led to the evacuation of all units, and they continued to fight the blaze from outside using large water streams.

Firefighters started shutting down the exterior water streams by 3 p.m. and started focusing on the hot spots, Donnelly said.

About 100 firefighters are on the scene battling the blaze, said Vito Maggioli with D.C. Fire.

2 Alarm Fire 2600 block Bowen Rd SE. Heavy fire top floor and attic 4 story occupied apartment building. Units evacuated from original fire building. Interior firefighting in progress in both attached buildings where fire has extended. #DCsBravest pic.twitter.com/elkVr5wGgM

— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) June 25, 2024